In the Corgi range for just two years – between 1965 and 1967 – the Chrysler Imperial included a unique and ingenious ‘secret’ bonnet-opening mechanism. Operated by applying downwards pressure on the front axle, the bonnet opened just enough to enable it to be lifted.  However, this clever method of operation was bafflingly omitted from the box text, giving rise to many believing they had a faulty model!

This classic-era Corgi also featured opening doors, tilting seats, two figures (the female passenger being considerably smaller than the male driver) and a boot/trunk that lifted to reveal a set of golf clubs and caddy. Intriguingly, a variation of the Chrysler Imperial appeared in Corgi’s 1969 catalogue as a ‘Bermuda Taxi’. Given the Corgi number 507 this unusual variant was sadly never put into production.